Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a complex disease affecting 5 million men and women in the U.S., most of them over 60. In fact, you have a one-in-four risk of developing atrial fibrillation in your lifetime. The earlier we find and treat the disease, the more successful we are in helping patients experience longer, more enjoyable lives.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation? A person experiencing atrial fibrillation has abnormal and chaotic electrical signals or pathways that occur in the atria (the top part of the heart), causing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The loss of normal coordinated activity can lead to an inability of the heart to support the functional needs of the body. In addition, blood clots can form in the atria which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. While some patients show symptoms of atrial fibrillation, many do not—which is why routine exams are important.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation The older we get, the higher our risk for developing atrial fibrillation. The disease can be caused by many other factors, including:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Congestive heart failure

Coronary artery disease

Dysfunction of the sinus node (the "natural pacemaker" of the heart)

Mitral valve disorders

Rheumatic heart disease

Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Excessive alcohol consumption

Family history of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can also occur in conjunction with a heart attack or soon after heart surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation Many people with atrial fibrillation never experience symptoms. Those who do may have one or more of the following, which can start or stop suddenly:

Testing for Atrial Fibrillation First, your health care provider will listen to the heart with a stethoscope, which may reveal an irregular rhythm. The normal heart rate is 60 to 100, but in atrial fibrillation the heart rate may be 100 to 175, even at rest. Slow heart rates may also occur with atrial fibrillation. Blood pressure may be high, normal or low.

To confirm the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, your health care provider will record the rhythm of the heart using an electrocardiogram (ECG). When atrial fibrillation is intermittent, long-term monitoring may be necessary, using equipment like an event monitor.

You may receive additional tests to find other abnormalities of the heart that can occur with atrial fibrillation. Theses include:

A Second Chance to Listen & LearnDid you miss our webinar on "Advances in Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery Plus: Atrial Fibrillation" featuring Drs. Bonow and McCarthy? The webinar is now available to view via video and eBook!